New Nigerian National Anthem: 'Nigeria, We Hail Thee.'

Learn the full lyrics of the New Nigerian National Anthem: 'Nigeria, We Hail Thee.'

On May 29, 2024, President Bola Tinubu signed the National Anthem Bill into law, officially reinstating Nigeria’s original anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” which was first adopted in 1960 and replaced in 1978.

Written by British expatriate Lillian Jean Williams and composed by Frances Berda, the anthem’s return has stirred mixed reactions. Supporters see it as a revival of national unity and historical identity, while critics argue it lacks public input and local authorship.

Despite the controversy, it is now Nigeria’s official anthem and will be used nationwide at formal events.

Lyrics of the New Nigerian National Anthem

Below are the full lyrics of the reinstated national anthem, "Nigeria, We Hail Thee":

Nigeria, we hail thee,
Our own dear native land,
Though tribe and tongue may differ,
In brotherhood we stand,
Nigerians all, and proud to serve Our sovereign Motherland.

Our flag shall be a symbol
That truth and justice reign,
In peace or battle honoured,
And this we count as gain,
To hand on to our children
A banner without stain.

O God of all creation,
Grant this our one request,
Help us to build a nation
Where no man is oppressed
And so with peace and plenty
Nigeria may be blessed.